Unlocking the true potential of culinary nuts

The new RE-NUT® method processes the nuts «in-shell», which means without shelling them. This doubles the yield of nut flour, paste and drinks. Moreover this leaves in all the nutshells’ valuable fiber and antioxidants. This patent-protected technology is now ready to be licensed by nut processors and food companies.

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Transforming in-shell nuts into fibre-rich food ingredients

RE-NUT® process

Input

In-shell nuts
Water

Milling

Wet-milling of in-shell nuts to achieve the targeted particle size.

Phase Separation

Phase separation of the slurry via decanter.

Output

Solids
Oil
Drink

Three valuable extracts obtained from the continuously running RE-NUT® process: nut solids, nut drink, (optionally nut oil). Waste/ side products? Zero.

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Benefits

Nuts are full of nutritional and functional benefits

They are delicious and packed with unsaturated fats, fibers, protein and vitamins, which makes nuts an important food ingredient: nut butter and paste, flour or fillings deliver flavor, texture and nutritional benefits to chocolates, spreads, bakery products, yoghurts, cream cheese, ice cream or nut drinks. However, an important part of the whole nut has been neglected so far: the nutshells.

Nuts offer more than just the kernels:
their valuable shells

The shell accounts for about the same mass as the kernel and is full of nutritional value. Today nutshells are considered as waste or low-value by-products. This is exactly where enormous, untapped potential lies.

Benefits of processing in-shell nuts

1

WATER AND FARMLAND CONSERVATION

Nut cultivation requires vast amounts of water and farmland. The use of these vital and increasingly scarce resources per pound of nut yield is massively reduced by using not only the kernels but the whole, unshelled nuts.

2

LESS FOOD LOSS

Considering the global nut production of 55 Mio. tons (2021), millions of tons of nutshells full of fiber and antioxidants are burned or used as livestock feed and bedding every year. Processing unshelled nuts eliminates part of this immense food loss and boosts the sustainability footprint of the entire nut industry.

3

HEALTHIER INGREDIENTS

Nutshells consist primarily of dietary fibers and contain a lot of healthy antioxidants. While fibers are an important part of a healthy nutrition, the antioxidant effects of the nut shells’ phenolic compounds help to neutralize free radicals in the human body. By processing the nuts with their shells, all these benefits are added to the resulting nut ingredients, revealing the nuts’ full potential.

4

100% MORE YIELD

On average, the shell of a nut weighs about the same as the kernel. Therefore, processing the nuts with their shells results in double the amount of nut solids, a key ingredient for the food industry. The resulting amount of ready-to-drink nut milk can also be massively increased by adding water in the process.

5

LOWER PRODUCTION COSTS

Shelling the harvested nuts to obtain the kernels is expensive. Directly processing in-shell nuts makes this process step obsolete and significantly reduces manufacturing costs of nut products. In addition, as long as the kernel remains in nature’s best packaging (the nutshell), less oxidation results in a longer shelf life.

6

SUGAR REDUCTION IN FOOD PRODUCTS

The in-shell nut solids are the perfect, 100% natural filler that allows sugar reduction in confectionary, chocolate spreads, cookies, etc.

TECHNOLOGY

RE-NUT® Process

Wet-milling in-shell nuts and separating the slurry into three valuable extracts: nut solids, nut drink and (optionally) nut oil. The patented method covers all major tree and ground nuts.

RE-NUT® process

INPUT

In-shell nuts
Water

MILLING

Wet-milling of in-shell nuts to achieve the targeted particle size.

PHASE SEPARATION

Phase separation of the slurry via decanter.

OUTPUT

Solids
Oil
Drink
https://www.re-nut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AdobeStock_solids.png RE-NUT® SOLIDS
https://www.re-nut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AdobeStock_drink-1.png RE-NUT® DRINK
https://www.re-nut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AdobeStock_oil-1.png RE-NUT® OIL

  • 15-35% fat
    15-25% m/m

    The nut solids contain most of the dissolved nutshell components and is thus rich in valuable dietary fiber and antioxidants. The still moist solids can be used in ice cream or cream cheese, while the dried nut flour can be suitably used in a variety of products such as baked goods, chocolate and spreads, beverages and burger patties.

  • 2-8% fat
    70-80% m/m

    The nut drink contains more vitamins B3 and E, polyphenols and antioxidants compared to a kernel-based drink. The fat content can be adjusted, and the containing 5–8 g/l sweet-tasting saccharides make it a great drinking pleasure.

  • By using a 3-phase decanter, the valuable fat of the nuts can be extracted separately, in addition to the nut solids and the nut drink.

  • RE-NUT® SOLIDS

    15-35% fat
    15-25% m/m

    The nut solids contain most of the dissolved nutshell components and is thus rich in valuable dietary fiber and antioxidants. The still moist solids can be used in ice cream or cream cheese, while the dried nut flour can be suitably used in a variety of products such as baked goods, chocolate and spreads, beverages and burger patties.

  • RE-NUT® DRINK

    2-8% fat
    70-80% m/m

    The nut drink contains more vitamins B3 and E, polyphenols and antioxidants compared to a kernel-based drink. The fat content can be adjusted, and the containing 5–8 g/l sweet-tasting saccharides make it a great drinking pleasure.

  • RE-NUT® OIL

    By using a 3-phase decanter, the valuable fat of the nuts can be extracted separately, in addition to the nut solids and the nut drink.

Click here to watch the RE-NUT® technology in action

THE FACTORY WITHOUT FOOD LOSS AND UNPROFITABLE SIDE STREAMS

The RE-NUT® process can further improve your sustainability footprint. Imagine being able to process 100% of whole, unshelled nuts into valuable semi-finished or consumer products. No waste and no low-value side streams to sell as livestock feed or bedding.

STRONG PATENT PROTECTION

Several granted and pending patents globally protect the in-shell processing method.

Patent Register

LICENSING AND KNOW-HOW TRANSFER

We license our IP-protected methods and ensure the know-how transfer regarding their implementation in your factories.

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REGULATORY APPROVAL

We achieved self-GRAS in USA for in-shell almond extracts. The regulatory processes for in-shell hazelnut extracts are underway, both in USA and in Europe (Novel Food).

GLOBALLY OPERATING TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS

For implementing the RE-NUT® processing method, you are free to work with your preferred technology and equipment partners.

If required, we bring our technology partners on board.

FOOD APPLICATIONS

New innovation platform

Processing in-shell nuts results in nut flour, paste and drink with a different composition. First of all, you get more of it. More means more volume or mass which you can build into your product formulations. And more means more dietary fiber and antioxidants.

Applications of RE-NUT® in-shell extracts

https://www.re-nut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/AdobeStock_flour_Almond.webp RE-NUT® FLOUR
https://www.re-nut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AdobeStock_paste-1.png RE-NUT® PASTE
https://www.re-nut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/AdobeStock_drink-1.png RE-NUT® DRINK

  • The RE-NUT® hazelnut or almond flour is low on the glycemic index and gluten free, contains all the known ingredients like protein, mono-unsaturated fats, antioxidant Vitamin E and calcium from the nut kernels. By processing the whole nuts with their shells, we’re simply adding the highly valuable shell material containing mainly fiber and antioxidants. It is a fact that we eat too much sugar, quite enough proteins, but far too little fiber. The high-fiber RE-NUT® almond and hazelnut flours make an important contribution to this.

     

    • More fibre
    • More antioxidants
    • More volume / mass
    • Less fat

     

    Applications:

    Bakery
    Ice cream

  • Higher fat contents result in a smooth paste. In addition, the grinding degree can be adjusted and thus individually adapted to the targeted product, containing all the natural components of the nut.

     

    • More fibre
    • More antioxidants
    • More fat

     

    Applications:

    Confectionary

  • The phase separation of the RE-NUT® method provides another extract: a delicious hazelnut or almond drink with a very natural taste and color profile. Furthermore, processing the nuts with the shells provide more antioxidants to the beverage. The fat content can be adjusted during production.

     

    • More fibre
    • More antioxidants

     

    Applications:

    Beverages (ready-to-drink)

  • RE-NUT® FLOUR

    The RE-NUT® hazelnut or almond flour is low on the glycemic index and gluten free, contains all the known ingredients like protein, mono-unsaturated fats, antioxidant Vitamin E and calcium from the nut kernels. By processing the whole nuts with their shells, we’re simply adding the highly valuable shell material containing mainly fiber and antioxidants. It is a fact that we eat too much sugar, quite enough proteins, but far too little fiber. The high-fiber RE-NUT® almond and hazelnut flours make an important contribution to this.

     

    • More fibre
    • More antioxidants
    • More volume / mass
    • Less fat

     

    Applications:

    Bakery
    Ice cream

  • RE-NUT® PASTE

    Higher fat contents result in a smooth paste. In addition, the grinding degree can be adjusted and thus individually adapted to the targeted product, containing all the natural components of the nut.

     

    • More fibre
    • More antioxidants
    • More fat

     

    Applications:

    Confectionary

  • RE-NUT® DRINK

    The phase separation of the RE-NUT® method provides another extract: a delicious hazelnut or almond drink with a very natural taste and color profile. Furthermore, processing the nuts with the shells provide more antioxidants to the beverage. The fat content can be adjusted during production.

     

    • More fibre
    • More antioxidants

     

    Applications:

    Beverages (ready-to-drink)

Composition of RE-NUT® solids

The parameters of the RE-NUT® process can be individually adapted to your needs, allowing you to produce the nut flour suitable for your product application in terms of fat content, fiber content, residual moisture or fineness.

This might trigger your R&D team to create innovations in your product category, addressing evolving consumer needs:

  • Are you looking for an affordable, 100% natural filler to reduce sugar in chocolates or spreads?
  • Could a high-fiber nut paste provide the structure and creaminess your spoonables deserve?
  • What about a new solution for the issue of lacking mouthfeel in beverages (building structure without inulin)?
  • Do you want to meet the increasing health needs of your customers by making your cereals, cakes, crackers or muffins richer in fiber?

We look forward to discussing with you how to RE-invent your product categories.

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LICENSING

Licensing of IP and Know-how

Get a license of our IP-protected manufacturing process. We provide you with all the necessary support during implementation. Based on your current technological status, our highly experienced technical consulting team assists you in getting the in-shell nut method up and running.

FOR NUT PROCESSORS

Learn how to boost the yield of nuts by implementing the equipment for processing in-shell nuts to flour, meal or paste.

FOR NUT DRINK PRODUCERS

Learn about our nut drinks with unique flavor profile and 100% naturalness.

FOR FOOD COMPANIES

Let’s explore the opportunities around sugar reduction and high-fiber nut extracts for your product portfolio together.

Learn more about the different licensing options, which can be customized to your business strategy, your product categories, products, applications and market regions.

Contact us
COMPANY

Our mission

We RE-define the value of culinary nuts by unlocking their full potential from field to delight. We’re thrilled to make significant contributions in four key areas.

Provision of valuable fibers, vitamins and antioxidants to the growing world population.

Healthy indulgence through sugar replacement in high sugar foods.

More efficient use of water and farmland resources in nut cultivation.

Avoidance of food loss and waste.

  • Provision of valuable fibers, vitamins and antioxidants to the growing world population.

  • Healthy indulgence through sugar replacement in high sugar foods.

  • More efficient use of water and farmland resources in nut cultivation.

  • Avoidance of food loss and waste.

We help to achieve the following UN goals

OUR BUSINESS IS BOOSTING THE YIELD OF CULINARY NUTS

Unshelled whole nuts are our raw material, getting more out of them is our expertise. Instead of separating the shell from the kernel, our RE-NUT® method boost the yield of nuts by processing them with their outer hard shells. We provide licenses and all the required know-how on our patented manufacturing process to our clients. This enables nut processors, nut ingredient providers and food companies to produce nut flour, paste or butter which not only contain the known ingredients from the kernels, but all the valuable fiber and antioxidants of the nutshells.

More about Licensing

OUR STORY IS ABOUT RE-INVENTING

During a visit to hazelnut plantations in Turkey in 2016, Roland Laux and Tilo Hühn came up with the idea of processing hazelnuts with their outer hard shells. This idea, which at first glance seemed as simple as it was crazy, sparked their motivation to learn as much as possible about the potential of nuts with shells.

Over the past 20 years, we have observed that through large scale manufacturing methods, much of the original goodness of raw materials like fruits, herbs, cocoa and coffee beans or nuts is lost through heating, drying and oxidation.

Precisely because of this, we have been fascinated by the idea of bringing ‘more of the goodness’ of raw materials into finished food products. More flavors, more vitamins, more fiber, more polyphenols.

This nut adventure continues seamlessly.

It all began in 2006 with an idea from Roland and Tilo on their visit to a chocolate factory in Venezuela: instead of dry-processing cocoa beans at high pressure and temperatures, they had the idea of wet-milling unroasted beans with cold water to get a slurry, which then is separated in the different extracts cocoa butter, solids and liquids by phase separation technology. This way, all the wonderful, complex aroma of cocoa beans can be captured in the final chocolate. Roland Laux and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) sold the patent in 2014 to Dieter Meier, who now industrially produces «Oro de Cacao»-Chocolate in Switzerland. Further implementations of this technological principle followed for cold-brew coffee and whole coffee cherries (RE-COFFEE) as well as spices and herbs.

OUR BUSINESS IS BOOSTING THE YIELD OF CULINARY NUTS

Unshelled whole nuts are our raw material, getting more out of them is our expertise. Instead of separating the shell from the kernel, our RE-NUT® method boost the yield of nuts by processing them with their outer hard shells. We provide licenses and all the required know-how on our patented manufacturing process to our clients. This enables nut processors, nut ingredient providers and food companies to produce nut flour, paste or butter which not only contain the known ingredients from the kernels, but all the valuable fiber and antioxidants of the nutshells.

More about Licensing

OUR STORY IS ABOUT RE-INVENTING

During a visit to hazelnut plantations in Turkey in 2016, Roland Laux and Tilo Hühn came up with the idea of processing hazelnuts with their outer hard shells. This idea, which at first glance seemed as simple as it was crazy, sparked their motivation to learn as much as possible about the potential of nuts with shells.

Over the past 20 years, we have observed that through large scale manufacturing methods, much of the original goodness of raw materials like fruits, herbs, cocoa and coffee beans or nuts is lost through heating, drying and oxidation.

Precisely because of this, we have been fascinated by the idea of bringing ‘more of the goodness’ of raw materials into finished food products. More flavors, more vitamins, more fiber, more polyphenols.

This nut adventure continues seamlessly.

It all began in 2006 with an idea from Roland and Tilo on their visit to a chocolate factory in Venezuela: instead of dry-processing cocoa beans at high pressure and temperatures, they had the idea of wet-milling unroasted beans with cold water to get a slurry, which then is separated in the different extracts cocoa butter, solids and liquids by phase separation technology. This way, all the wonderful, complex aroma of cocoa beans can be captured in the final chocolate. Roland Laux and the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) sold the patent in 2014 to Dieter Meier, who now industrially produces «Oro de Cacao»-Chocolate in Switzerland. Further implementations of this technological principle followed for cold-brew coffee and whole coffee cherries (RE-COFFEE) as well as spices and herbs.

The team of RE-thinkers

The RE-NUT® team combines process engineering skills and scientific expertise with many years of international business experience.

Team
Advisors
  • Roland Laux
    Co-Founder and CEO
    Prof. Dr. Tilo Hühn
    Chief Engineer
    Leandra Ruffner
    Back Office
    Louis Siegrist
    CFO
    Christian Zimmermann
    CTO
    Tatiana Avellaneda
    R&D and Regulatory Manager
  • Claudio Garcia
    Go-to-market and
    growth strategy USA
    Prof. Dr. Hans Verhagen
    Food safety, nutrition, EU regulatory affairs

Team

Roland Laux
Co-Founder and CEO
Prof. Dr. Tilo Hühn
Chief Engineer
Leandra Ruffner
Back Office
Louis Siegrist
CFO
Christian Zimmermann
CTO
Tatiana Avellaneda
R&D and Regulatory Manager

Advisors

Claudio Garcia
Go-to-market and
growth strategy USA
Prof. Dr. Hans Verhagen
Food safety, nutrition, EU regulatory affairs

CONTACT

We’d love to hear from you.

RE-NUT Inc. (AG)

Rosenbergstrasse 8
9000 St.Gallen
Switzerland

info@re-nut.com
+41 (0)71 228 55 41

CONTACT

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    RE-NUT Inc. (AG)

    Rosenbergstrasse 8
    9000 St.Gallen
    Switzerland

    info@re-nut.com
    +41 (0)71 228 55 41